Things To Consider Before Choosing A Therapist

Finding the right therapist is an extremely important decision, as you will be sharing many of your personal and intimate details about your life. Additionally, you may need a therapist that specializes in a particular type of problem, such as marriage counseling, personality disorders or family counseling. Here are some different ways to get therapist referrals to help you find one you feel comfortable with and that can help you with your specific needs.

Word Of Mouth

If you have friends or family that have been seeing a therapist, ask them to rate their experience with that counselor. Ask questions like

Did they make you feel comfortable and safe?

Did they offer constructive methods to help you master your issues?

Would you go back again or refer others to them?

In some cases, this is one of the best ways to learn how a given therapist operates before seeing them yourself. If many different people are giving a specific therapist a good review, it is probably a safe bet to at least set up an initial appointment with them.

Counseling Centers

Counseling and mental health centers can of course refer you to a number of therapists, but the advantage of using their referral services is that if you have a very specific problem, such as alcoholism, domestic abuse, or severe psychological disturbances, they can help match you with someone who specializes and is highly qualified in that field.

Even if you don't have a specific need to be addressed but would like to seek general therapy services, these mental health centers are still a great resource. If you begin seeing a therapist and don't feel like you click, you can ask for a different therapist within the same building and group without any issues.

Additionally, these centers also have many additional resources and programs aside from counseling that can benefit patients in many ways. Some may offer group therapy, group activities, and depending on the center, they may also offer sliding scale fees and even sliding scale medications.

Ultimately, you should feel free to take your time and chose your therapist carefully. This type of relationship needs to be one filled with trust and safety, so ask your friends, and look into all of the options available for the therapists in your area. And remember, never be afraid to ask for someone else if you don't feel comfortable and don't give up – there is a perfect match for you somewhere. To get a therapist referral, talk to a professional like Cancer Lifeline.

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